Google announces Free Calls Via Hangouts to Belgium and Turkey

In view of the terror attacks in Brussels, Google has announced free calls via Hangouts for those who are trying to reach their loved ones in Belgium and Turkey. Explosions at Brussels airport and at a metro station in the Belgian capital during rush hour killed around 35 people and wounded hundreds.

Google stated in it’s blog that, “We are deeply saddened and appalled by the bombings in Brussels today, and by the recent violence in Turkey. Our thoughts are with the victims of these attacks, and their families.” The company is offering calls for Hangouts, Hangouts Dialer and Google Voice. Users can make free calls to people on Belgium’s mobile carriers such as Lycamobile, Mobistar, Proximus, and Telenet, along with all landlines in Turkey as well.

The social media company claimed said that the system was put in use within hours of the explosions at the Brussels airport and a metro station. The social media giant, however, has been criticized for enabling it in certain instances, and sometimes taking too much time to do so.

On Tuesday, Facebook activated its Safety Check featurefor users to inform others that they are safe after the Brussels terrorist attacks. The social network had previously activated its Safety Check feature after terrorist attacks in Paris and the floods in Chennai.

In the wake of Brussels attacks, Twitter users expressed support and showed solidarity with iconic fountain which has been drawing tourists to Brussels' city. Soon after the attacks, Twitter was flooded with tweets from people to offer help to others. The hashtag "Brussels Lift" was being used by people to ask for rides and offer car spaces.